Atlantic Fire Services spent an inspiring and energetic day at the Ubuntu Charity After-School Centre in Imizamo Yethu, where 80 children and 5 teachers took part in an engaging and educational fire safety session designed to equip young minds with life-saving knowledge.

The visit focused on essential fire awareness and fire safety, helping learners understand the risks within their community and what to do in the event of a fire. What made the day truly impactful was how quickly theory turned into action, with learners actively participating and experiencing fire safety in a real, practical way.

From the moment the session began, excitement filled the room.

“Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Kelvin, and I’m in Grade 6. We would like to welcome you, and we are expecting to learn more about you and what you do,” a learner shared at the start of the session.

Throughout the day, learners were given the opportunity to:
• Gain hands-on experience using fire extinguishers
• Explore fire trucks up close, sparking curiosity and excitement
• Learn simple but critical actions that could one day save lives

For educators at the centre, the importance of this training goes far beyond the classroom.

“We really appreciate the information you are giving us,” a teacher said.
“The fire safety training will save lives and help us understand how to deal with fires. Because the community we live in is overpopulated, there are always fires during the year. The children can take this knowledge home and share it with their families.”

The session also focused on prevention — teaching children not to play with fire, to recognise danger, and to act responsibly in emergency situations. For many, it also opened their eyes to future possibilities.

“We wanted the children to understand fires, how to deal with them, and also to inspire them to become firefighters,” the teacher added.

By the end of the training, the impact was clear. Learners left not only more informed, but empowered.

“We are now aware of what to do in the event of a fire. Thank you so much. It was fun and something to enjoy,” one learner shared after the session.

In communities where fire risks are a daily reality, education like this creates ripple effects far beyond a single day. Each child becomes a messenger of safety, carrying knowledge back into their homes and neighbourhoods.

Atlantic Fire Services continues to invest in the next generation — because when children understand fire safety, entire communities become safer.

Education today. Protection tomorrow. Together, we build safer communities.